The Lonely Trail
The Lonely Trail
Though he fought for the North in the Civil War, John is asked by the Governor of Texas to get rid of some troublesome carpetbaggers. He enlists the help of Holden before learning that Holden too is plundering the local folk.
Mister Arn reviewedJuly 1, 2025
“The Lonely Trail” stars John Wayne as a former Union officer returning to post–Civil War Texas. While it attempts to explore themes of loyalty, regional division, and race, its handling is shallow and reflective of the biases of its time. The film offers a dated glimpse into how early Hollywood framed Reconstruction-era tensions. Still, its oversimplified storytelling and lack of nuance keep it from making a lasting or positive impression.